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Since I wrote the first update, back in June, we haven't got too much done. But the biggest thing we
did do was book our honeymoon. We're going to New Orleans and staying in the French Quarter!

And the best part is that we are flying there. Which is pretty neat since we've never been on a plane together. I'm so excited about this. I cannot wait to show Alex all of my favourite haunts and have him fall in love with that place too. If you know me, you know I've been there three times already - and have a special place in my heart for the town. It just so happens, that Alex has always wanted to go there so it worked out.

I was thinking that sometime soon I would post a New Orleans Travel Guide as well. That way I can keep track of the places Alex would like to go and the places that I would like to take him. So keep your eyes open for that.

So in other wedding news, here's what we've done:

sent out our save the dates (digital + print)

decided on our formal wedding invitations

constructed our wedding website

finished our registry

decided on who will be catering our wedding

we're working on narrowing down the ceremony time

compiled decor items (I need to start making them)

booked our flight and hotel for the honeymoon

chose the bridal party and groomsmen

bought my dress

bought Alex's outfit

decided on wedding bands

decided on the rehearsal dinner venue

started the day-of timeline

Be sure to stay tuned for more wedding updates in the future. It's getting close - we only have 128 days left until we get married.

It feels as though there isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of England. This morning when I woke up, I realized that I haven't really posted any photos from my trip there back in 2014 (which honestly feels like a decade ago). So being the person I am, I figured it was about time that I shared them with all of you. To start off my England Series, I thought it would be fun to begin with Stonehenge.

Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England - which is situated on the Salisbury Plains - south of London. Stonehenge was built around 3,000 BCE. This site was home to 150 or more cremation burials up until 2300 B.C.E. What's really awesome about Stonehenge is that the sarsen stones (which each weigh about 25 tons!!) were brought from Malborough Downs, which is a whopping 20 miles north. Even if you don't know the history behind this place, the inexplicable feeling abounds. There was something magical about being amongst those giant stones. You could feel a strong vibe coming from the ground - the air was filled with it. It was truly everything I imagined it would be too. The sense of feeling so miniscule in comparison to those stones and the history behind them was quite overwhelming and perfect at the same time.

Don't mind my cheesy smile and windswept hair - I was really excited to be there.

Fall is here, right? ;) And like every other "beige cardigan" out there, I've been craving a pumpkin spice latte the second the temperature outside dropped by two degrees. Ridiculous, I know - but there is something pretty magical about autumn and all the flavours that come along with it. So, instead of running out to Starbucks for one of their $5 PSL's; I decided to make my own pumpkin spice syrup at home. How you might ask? It's simple, really.

Here's what you'll need:HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUPINGREDIENTS

1 c. water

1/2 c. sugar (you can use more if you'd like it to be sweeter)

2 tbsp. canned pumpkin

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

DIRECTIONS

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer, uncovered, over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Add in pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin. Simmer for 8 minutes, uncovered. Stir often and make sure it doesn't boil.

Remove from heat and strain the syrup. You can use either cheesecloth or a regular strainer. I used my French press. Depending on your choice of strainer you may have to strain it a few times.

See there? Only THREE steps! I told you it was simple. That's a hell of alot easier than driving to Starbucks when the craving hits. Because the next morning when you're ready to make your coffee (or latte) just pour in some of that pumpkin goodness and you're all set! Best of all, this syrup will last up to a month in the fridge in an airtight container.

I feel likes it's been awhile since I did a post where I just write about what's going on in our life,
so here ya go...

Things have been pretty busy around here. My best friend is getting married in two weeks and I seriously cannot wait! I'm so happy for her and this wedding has been a long time coming. The bridesmaid dress that I'm wearing for her wedding is anxiously waiting too. It's so pretty - you can see it here. Another exciting part about Megan's wedding is that her sister and I will be making the "naked style" wedding cake. I'm slightly nervous but also very honored. Alex & I had to find him a suit, since he doesn't have one, but luckily we've found the perfect slim fit jacket and dress pants. He looks very handsome too!

This Sunday Alex's Mom and I are going to my wedding venue so I can show her what it will look like with all of the tables and benches set up. We also need to try out my parent's Harmon/Kardon wireless speaker to make sure that it is loud enough since the venue is outdoors. Did I mention in my wedding planning update that Alex & I are making our own playlist? We've broken out our chosen songs into separate playlists (like dinner music and dancing music) to make it easier on Derrick. As for creating the decor pieces... I haven't even started on that yet. Soon enough though.

Alex & I finally had a chance to create his Etsy shop for all of his artwork and he has another art show on October 1st. We spent the majority of Monday setting it all up, me taking the photos and Alex figuring out the names of the pieces and the prices. He's been making art like a madman and it's been so nice to see him create such awesome and bad ass pieces. I might be a little bias, but I LOVE his artwork.

Speaking of Etsy, I finally added some natural elements bracelets to my Etsy shop. The bracelets are made with amethyst, lava rocks and freshwater pearls. I'm loving how simple they are - and the fact that they are all natural, with stones that have so much meaning behind them.

Well, it's happened... Alex & I have both reached that point in our lives where we want to have a kid. I didn't think this would ever happen to me OR to him for that matter. When we first started dating we both came into the relationship knowing that neither one of us wanted children. Period. An absolute no go. It's funny how things progress, huh?

After countless conversations, we've decided that one day we would like add a little one to our family. Sorry, Olive - you won't be our only baby anymore.

And honestly, it's weird. It's weird to feel this way. Hell, it's even weirder to type this out (even though we've already told family & friends).

Alex said it best, "I don't want a kid with anyone but you." and that's how I feel too. I can't picture having a child with anyone else but my darling Alex.

As for how many... we only want one. Because once two are in the picture it's too close to us becoming outnumbered. ;)

Picnics are something that Alex & I love and have been doing since we started dating. There is something pretty amazing about eating outside under a big, blue sky while enjoying nature. Sadly, in Florida it's far too hot to really do anything outside the majority of the year. But now that the heat is starting to subside, I thought it would be fun to share a guide for an awesome, eco-friendly picnic. As well as some tasty food ideas and a fancy recipe!

Glass Food Containers - Yes, it makes the basket a little heavy, but I have Alex to tote it around for me. However, if you're looking for a lighter weight eco-friendly version head over here.

A Glass Jug - Decide on one drink to share and pour it into a giant glass jug. Bonus points: share the jug and don't bring along glasses.

Glass Jars - Instead of plastic cups, you can use Ball Jars to drink from.

A Blanket - Find an old blanket that you don't mind if gets dirty.

Now for some food ideas & a killer recipe:
Alex & I like packing things we can pick up with our hands. This way utensils are completely out of the equation. Try rolled up slices of salami, cheese cubes, olives, potato chips, and fruit. If you're looking for a wow-factor, try the following recipe:

Directions
Cook the bacon. Cut the baguette. Slice the figs. Spread the mustard on the bread. Put the arugula on the bottom of the bread. Then place in the bacon, then the figs. Sprinkle the goat cheese. Eat & enjoy!

I hope this guide will help you in planning your next eco-friendly picnic. Also, let me know if you try that awesome sandwich.What types of food do you typically bring on picnics?